Page 97 of A Simple Reminder

“Romance,” she says. “The kind that would make you blush, Micah.”

Micah’s grin stretches even wider as he leans back in his chair, clearly reveling in her discomfort. “Really? Tell me more. What kind of blush are we talking about?”

Adeline lets out a long, dramatic groan. Not able to keep up the act, “I’m going to kill you all.”

“See, now I really want to read one," Micah teases, his grin never faltering. “Do your characters kick people under tables too, or is that just you?”

Adeline glares at him, but there’s a glimmer of amusement in her eyes now. “Only when they deserve it.”

He leans over the table. “So…is this your way of flirting with me? Because I gotta say, it’s working.”

She freezes, her mouth opening and closing like she’s searching for a comeback—but nothing comes out. It isn’t often that Adeline is stunned. Not many people can throw her off like this.

And if I could record this moment? I would.

“You wish,” Adeline finally mutters, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink.

“I don’t know, Adeline. You might have just inspired me to believe in happily-ever-afters after all.”

She grabs a scrunched-up napkin and throws it at him, her aim impressively precise as it bounces off his chest. Micah clutches it dramatically, pretending he’s been mortally wounded. Meanwhile, Sophie is practically doubled over, tears of laughter streaming down her face.

We all end up laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of Micah, his antics impossible not to enjoy. But between bites of the delicious food—because, of course, Sophie and Adeline’s picks were spot on—I notice something. Every now and then, Micah sneaks a glance at Adeline. It’s subtle like he’s trying not to be obvious, but I see it. Is this how I look when I sneak glances at Sophie? No, who am I kidding—I’m anything but subtle. I practically burn holes into her with my stare. The obsession I have for her? It’s on another level entirely.

And Adeline, for all her attempts to keep her head down and avoid his teasing, seems to notice too. The faint pink in her cheeks hasn’t quite faded, and she shifts a little whenever their eyes meet like she’s not entirely sure how to handle the attention.

Sophie catches me watching them and raises an eyebrow. I shrug, silently filing this little observation away for later. Whatever’s happening here, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Micah follows Sophie and me back to the hotel—I promised him a little tour, and he’s not one to pass up an opportunity to see new spaces and their design. Adeline had to leave, needing to get back to work, and she practically bolted out of the restaurant with a face so red it could’ve rivaled the flamenco art on the walls. Why? Because Micah couldn’t help himself and Googled her, loudly reading out the blurb of one of her novels in the middle of lunch.

Micah might be cheeky and flirty, but he has his serious side too. As a boss, he’s tough but fair, demanding excellence from his team because he sets that standard for himself. And in the ring? He’s even more intense, relentless, and focused—a side of him not everyone gets to see. But right now, the teasing of Micah is in full swing.

In the lobby, Sophie excuses herself to speak with Brian and, unfortunately, the worm Jared. My gaze follows her for a moment before Micah sidles up to me, his voice dropping low so no one hears.

“So…is Adeline single?”

I pause, studying him. “Yeah, I think so. Why?”

He shrugs, his expression neutral, but I catch the flicker of interest in his eyes. “Just wondering.”

“Micah,” I warn, my tone dropping as I fold my arms. “You know I love you, and you’re one of the best people I know. But right now? You’re in a bad situation and you might work with her dad. It wouldn’t be a good idea to start something.”

He nods, his usual grin slipping for a moment. “I know,” he says quietly, his voice more serious than I expected. “I’m not planning anything. Just…curious.”

I nod, deciding to let it drop for now. But something tells me Micah’s curiosity might turn into something more complicated if he’s not careful.

“Come on,” I say, steering him away from Sophie and the worm Jared. “Let me show you the terrace and the new spa updates before you start poking your nose into more trouble.”

THIRTY-NINE

SOPHIE

Leora

I’m not allowed to travel anymore

My heart sinks while a sudden wave of worry washes over me. Is everything okay? Did something happen with the pregnancy?

Me

---